Research & Policy

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Building support for smart land conservation and great parks is key to our, and your, success.

Through advocacy and research, we inform and educate the public, policymakers, foundations and non-for-profit partners to build support for the land.

Research as a tool to influence decision makers

Our research builds support for conservation, and uses science to
instruct partners and decision-makers on how to better manage limited
resources such as drinking water.

Incorporating land-based climate research,
we aim to inform policymakers, local land trusts and the general
public about the constructive role land conservation can play in
mitigating and responding to climate change.

Our Pulse of Parks series looks at visitor trends at a sampling of New York’s state parks. The reports provide in-depth reviews on the parks' visitor demographics, user satisfaction and economic impact, and each park’s unique and appealing qualities.

Photo Credit: Jerry Monkman

Effective advocacy to build support

We raise awareness to expand public investment in land conservation
and stewardship, improving recreation, protecting clean water sources
and habitats, and strengthening communities—now and into the future.

In New York, we successfully fought
to increase the state’s Environmental Protection Fund, set the course
for a state parks revival through the NY Parks 2020 initiative, and
incorporated climate-resilient conservation and other priorities in the New York State Open Space Plan. In New Jersey, we have steadfastly supported the state’s Green Acres recreation and conservation program.

At the federal level, we fight for the Land and Water Conservation Fund,
which has protected the nation’s most treasured open spaces for over 50
years in all 50 states. Backed by a diverse and growing national
coalition, we channel the tremendous popular support that exists for our
public recreational and scenic lands.